By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
A series of damaging storms swept through the area Tuesday evening and overnight with gusty winds driving rain sideways in Hays at times.
The official rainfall amount recorded at the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of Hays was 2.32 inches with minimal hail noted. That same amount, 2.32 inches, fell at the Eagle Media Center, 2300 Hall.
A 43 mph wind gust out of the northwest was recorded at the Hays Regional Airport at 10:56 p.m. Tuesday night, where 1.33 inches of rain was recorded through 9 a.m. Wednesday.
According to Mike Morley, Midwest Energy communications manager, the storms took down eight poles on Toulon Avenue between Highway 40 and Victoria Road, along with a couple more near Antonino. At 8 p.m., more than 2,300 customers in Victoria, Munjor, and parts of south Hays were without electricity for about an hour. Workers were able to restore power by about 10 p.m.
Midwest Energy crews from WaKeeney and Hays are working today to replace the snapped poles.
A Flash Flood Warning was issued for southern Ellis County by the National Weather Service until 3 a.m. Wednesday.
Hays has received 2.98 inches of rain so far in June, with 9.95 inches of moisture recorded for the year to date.